Blue Angels in Annapolis: 2025 Guide

Will the Blue Angels even fly?

Wednesday’s weather (5/21) isn’t looking good for air shows. But as of 9:20 PM on 5/20, all hope is not lost. The Naval Academy will post a decision around 9 AM on 5/21. You can find the decision on this webpage or the Naval Academy’s social media pages. We prefer their Facebook.

The Blue Angels have three types of shows:

• High show (the most fun)

  • 10,000 foot cloud ceiling

• Low show

  • 4,500 foot cloud ceiling

• Flat show

  • 1,000 foot cloud ceiling

All shows require 3 nautical miles of visibility.

When do the Blue Angels fly?

The show starts around 2 PM and ends around 4 PM on Wednesday, May 21. However, it’s important to note that these times are not exact. The planes may show up late and they might leave early. You just never know.

Where do the Blue Angels fly?

Most of the action happens over Annapolis’ harbor but when planes are traveling up to 700 mph in an air show, they need a huge space. So while our favorite vantage points are around the Annapolis harbor, you’ll see the jets all over. For reference, the temporary flight restrictions during the show extend 7 nautical miles in all directions.

Where can I watch?

• The top levels of parking garages are a low-key spot. The new Hillman is perfect. The Library at Annapolis Mall has a watch party on their garage.

• The World War II Memorial on MD 450 is always a favorite spot.

• City Dock is always a good idea.

• The Naval Academy Campus is open to the the public but make sure you have a Real ID and check the new rules for non-US citizens.

• Manresa has a watch party. Be sure to RSVP.

How loud are the Blue Angels

Really loud. If you’re anchored in the Annapolis Harbor, some of the maneuvers will shake your body and take your breath away. Adults wouldn’t want to be around that kind of sound level all the time but it doesn’t physically hurt your ears. Note: I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice.

Kids will likely want to (and probably should) wear ear protection. Speaking from personal experience, dogs will hate it. Be sure they’re secure so they don’t try to escape.

Bridge closures

The Severn River Bridge (Route 50) is never closed during the show. The Naval Academy Bridge (MD 450) is closed from 10:45 AM – 4 PM.

What do boaters need to know?

In Naptown Scoop’s official opinion, watching from a boat is the best option of all and a quintessential Annapolis experience. Thousands of boats drop anchor to watch and there’s nothing like everyone honking simultaneously to end the show. The most important thing for boaters to know is the restricted zone. You can’t be in here (underway or anchored) at any time.

Dropping anchor can be a little tough and stressful with so many boats on the water. Being captain on Blue Angels day is not for the faint of heart.

The most popular places to anchor are:

• Just outside the Annapolis Harbor

• Carr Creek just off Greenbury Point

• Adjacent to Wardour just before the restricted zone starts

On Wednesday, the restricted zone is active from 1:30–4 PM. If you’re hoping to anchor in the harbor and keep your boat down the Severn, be sure to clear the restricted zone well before 1:30. Same advice in reverse if you’re hoping to watch near the Severn River Bridge (Route 50).

• Keep the temporary channel into the Annapolis Harbor clear unless you’re underway.

When in doubt, always listen to the advice of the police/DNR/Coast Guard/Navy boats with the flashing lights.